David was a partner at two national law firms prior to commencing practice on his own. He was a commercial partner at Buddle Findlay for many years, before establishing the Christchurch office of Chapman Tripp in 1998. In 2003 David set up his practice and has considerable expertise in all facets of corporate law.

David is a Fellow of the Institute of Directors and has an OBE for services to law.  David is currently a director of the Theatre Royal Charitable Foundation, a Board member of the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra Foundation, and a director of several private companies.  He has held past positions as a member of the Securities Commission, various public company directorships including Chairman of Shotover Jet Limited, Deputy Chair of Trust Bank, a director of Christchurch City Holdings Limited and various listed companies.